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Muc-Off Fast Action Bike Cleaner

7
£6.85

VERDICT:

7
10
Easy to use and effective workshop staple for the time poor
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.muc-off.com

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Muc-Off’s new formula works fast and will have greater appeal amongst the thin tyre fraternity thanks to more efficient removal of road grime. However, while certainly saving time, it’s still prone to leaving a streaky finish and despite boasting green credentials, citrus-based cleansers remain one step ahead.

It couldn’t be simpler to use and good time management is central to getting the best results. Give the contents a quick shake before spraying liberally over the bike. Leave the formula to fizz away at the gunk while you fill a bucket or two of tepid water. Accumulated filth might need persuasion from a medium/soft brush but there’s no benefit in extending the waiting times- this simply results in a streaky finish.

After five minutes give encrusted areas such as under the saddle a good tickling with the brush, dipping in the bucket as required before rising thoroughly. I was impressed at how effortlessly the grime slithered from the frame and onto the concrete below leaving a curiously appealing puddle. Buzzwords come and go but the new nano tech formula apparently employs a super invasive technology claimed to accelerate cleaning while protecting against corrosion. Wer'e guessing this means the particles of the cleaner's active ingredient are very very small. Whatever, it seems to work.

Credit where it’s due: it is very effective. But it is fairly aggressive, so we'd recommend latex or other gloves when you're working. Secondly, the Bike Cleaner could potentially disrupt grease and other wanted lubrication in headsets, bottom brackets and hubs in particular, so avoid spraying directly in these areas.

Verdict

Good workshop staple for the time poor but observe directions religiously

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Muc-Off Fast Action Bike Cleaner

Size tested: 1L

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Muc-Off's fast action bike cleaner does exactly what it says on the tin and this formula works better on road grime than previous incarnations. However, I have some small reservations over nanotech's invasive technology which could potentially strip seals and bearings.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

500ml trigger spray. Once applied requires five minutes standing time before rinising clean. Nano tech formula claimed to bring sparkle and preserve painted, plated and bare metals.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Works well on all kinds of grime from cow pat to chain lube.However, some citrus based cleaners are equally effective with less concerns over long term exposure to skin etc.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

Some reports suggest long term effects/exposure upon human health give grounds for concern-wear gloves if used regularly.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

There's no doubt Muc-Off's rapid bike cleaner makes short work of the usual suspects-especially mud and dung but it also seems much better on brake dust,spray and other grime more commonly associated with winter road riding.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Speed and efficiency.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Slight concerns over the potential long-term effects on nano-tech.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Generally, yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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